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Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic, followed by Hittite, Mitanni, Assyrian and Persian, and finally Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Turkish-Islam and Ottoman… Consecutive epochs and civilizations that have shaped the history of the city…

Footprints from the past in the form of historical buildings, ruins and shrines that are scattered throughout the city…

Gaziantep, with its rich heritage, is widely accepted as one of the oldest cities in the world. The mosaics of Zeugma, the ancient artistic and cultural centre of Karkamış, the natural beauty of Rumkale, the ancient religious centre of Doliche, the sculpture fields of Yesemek... Not forgetting the pistachios, baklava and kebabs that make this a city of culinary delights..and the wealth of artefacts from throughout the ages that illuminate the past and make Gaziantep a City of Museums.

Suffice to say, Gaziantep is a city that has certainly been in the limelight throughout history. As the famous traveller Evliya Çelebi said, “Neither tongue nor pen is enough to describe this city. Spread over a wide area, its spectacular, large buildings, its sought-after products, its many hamlets, its plenitude and fertility, its endless fountains and rivers of food and drink, make this city the apple of the world’s eye.”

As we feel that a city that is hard to define will be even harder to explore, we have put together 5 routes that will take you to all corners of the city. In determining these routes, we aimed to cover points of cultural and religious interest together with the plateaus of the uplands, but also to offer optional destinations appealing to those with different interests.

After following the tours which we have named Zeugma, Rumkale, Yesemek, Karkamış and Ravanda, we arrive at the southern border district of Kilis.

The guide leads you around the area’s cultural sites worth visiting, but also gives practical information to help you throughout your journey.

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The contents of this publication, which has been prepared by the 2013 Economic Development Financial Support Programme of the Silk Road Development Agency does not represent the views of the Silk Road Development Agency and/or the Ministry of Development. Sole responsibility for the content lies with Neva Bilgi Teknolojileri Medya ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri San. Tic. Ltd. Şti.

Travelling 2 km southwest from Karpuzatan, along wonderfully scenic, narrow roads bordered by thick trees, you will arrive in the village of Altunyurt, at the entrance to which is the Abara Bridge.

The trees are so dense the bridge is difficult to discern among them. The bridge is built of stone over the Sacur Stream. It has a single arch, and there is a concrete water channel on it. The arch is considerably damaged, and the bridge is no longer in use.

The Hadjı Hamza Tomb is in Oğuzeli, on İsmet İnönü Boulevard in the central shopping area. It is constructed of cut stone, and has a disproportionate dome on a square base.

The dome is topped with an alem – crescent decoration. The mausoleum has been covered with concrete. You must bend over to enter through the small door. Nothing is known about the person entombed here.

This tomb is also in the town, 100 m southwest of the tomb of Hadji Hamza. Buried here is Muhammed Esad Efendi, also known as Hadji Hoca, who lived from 1840-1935. He was descended from Imam Hüseyin, and was a mentor of the Halisiye branch of the Kâdiri order of dervishes.

He was of great service to Oğuzeli, providing financial and moral support to the district during the Turkish War of Independence.